MOORHEAD, Minn. — The Minnesota State University Moorhead wrestling team will host the Super Region V tournament on Saturday at Alex Nemzek Fieldhouse. Session I will begin at 10 a.m. while Session II will begin at 6 p.m. Doors will open one hour prior to the start of the session. This is the second time in three years that MSUM has hosted the regional tournament.

MSUM finished the regular season with a 2-10 overall record and a 2-6 record in NSIC duals. MSUM is led by sophomore Cole Jones, who has a 23-7 record and is ranked No. 5 in the nation according to the latest NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches Association Rankings. Evan Foster is right behind him with a 22-14 record, while redshirt freshman Mason Schulz has a 22-16 record. Other Dragons with winning records include Braydon Ortloff (18-12) and Adam Blees (14-9).

Mr. Consistency Jones has been one of the most consistent performers for the Dragons this season, with wins over No. 11 Andrew McFall and No. 12 Maleek Williams, along with a win over then No. 1 Brett Velaszquez. He also beat Victor Gliva, who is ranked No. 5 in the nation for Division III. He placed fifth at last year’s regional tournament, narrowly missing out on a trip to the national meet.

Freshmen coming up clutch MSUM has had four freshmen consistently crack the starting lineup this season, including two who have more than 20 wins. The top performing freshman has been Foster, while Schulz and Dravis both have been starters this season. The only true freshman who has been in the lineup consistently this season is Ortloff, who is 18-12 this season.

Road to Cleveland This weekend will start the Road to the national tournament in Cleveland, Ohio to be held March 8-9. With the switch to five regions, only the top three wrestlers at each weight class will advance to the national tournament.

Other teams competing This year’s Super Region V is one of the toughest in recent memory, with four teams ranked in the Top-25 in the nation, led by St. Cloud State who is ranked No. 1 in the nation. Minnesota State brings a ranking of 17 into the tournament while Upper Iowa (19) and the University of Mary (22) are both ranked as well. The rest of the field includes Augustana, Northern State, Minot State, Southwest Minnesota State, and Wisconsin-Parkside.